UCLA vs San Diego State live grades: Winners, losers as Bruins look to build on strong debut
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UCLA football looks to build on a strong showing from their Week 1 rout of Cal in their home opener when they host San Diego State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The Bob Chesney era in Westwood couldn't have started on a better note as the Bruins rode dominant performances from their run game and defense — their two biggest weaknesses last season — to pull away late from what had been a shootout with the Golden Bears through the first three quarters.
Senior running back Anthony Woods led the way on the ground with 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while JMU transfer Wayne Knight added three more scores on 71 yards. That opened up some opportunities for Nico Iamaleava to take shots downfield, which the quarterback converted for some big plays late in the first half.
The Aztecs — now a member of the new-look Pac-12 — are coming off a strong season debut of their own, a 53-20 blowout over Portland State.
Follow along for live coverage from USA TODAY Sports on UCLA vs. San Diego State:
What TV channel is UCLA vs San Diego State on today?
06:47 PM ET, September 12 2026, Andrés Soto
- TV channel: Big Ten Network
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- Location: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California)
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
UCLA vs. San Diego State game odds
06:47 PM ET, September 12 2026
Odds via BetMGM:
- Spread: San Diego State +12.5 (-110), UCLA -12.5 (-110)
- Money Line: San Diego State +360, UCLA -480
- Over-Under: Over 55 (-110), Under 55 (-110)
UCLA vs San Diego State predictions, picks
06:47 PM ET, September 12 2026, Jordan Mendoza
- Score: UCLA 34, San Diego State 20
- Why UCLA wins: The running game continues to lead the way, allowing Nico Iamaleava to hit some big throws that keep the offense flowing and forcing San Diego State to play catch up.
- Why San Diego State can keep it close: The Aztecs shouldn't be overlooked. The defense is capable of making some key stops, and it will depend on the offense to be able to match the Bruins' firepower.
UCLA run game key to another win
06:47 PM ET, September 12 2026, Andrés Soto
Anthony Woods and Wayne Knight set the tone on offense last week with a monster showing on the ground, combining for 189 yards and five touchdowns; Nico Iamaleava added 29 rushing yards of his own and a touchdown with his legs. Overall, UCLA finished the game with 277 rushing yards and six touchdowns, their most against an FBS team since 2015.
Nico Iamaleava had some strong moments through the air, but did have some costly mistakes late in the first half. Establishing the ground game again will be crucial to taking the pressure off the senior QB and opening up opportunities for him to make big plays with his arm.
Can UCLA's defense stay locked in?
06:47 PM ET, September 12 2026, Andrés Soto
At UCLA Football's media day in August, the phrase "Bruin Bullies" came up repeatedly when describing the defense's mentality. It took a while to settle in against Cal, but they lived up to that name once the second half started. They finished Week 1 with three forced turnovers and six tackles for loss as the Bruins held the Golden Bears to just one touchdown over the final two quarters.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UCLA vs San Diego State live grades: Winners, losers as Bruins look to build on strong debut
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